Where is Mount Patterson?
Usa, north-america
25.7 km
3,560 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, California dreamers, listen up! Wanna bag some seriously epic views? Then point your 4x4 toward Mount Patterson in Mono County. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 11,679 feet, making it one of the highest drives you can do in the Golden State.
Tucked away in the Toiyabe National Forest near the Nevada border, this area’s got that old West vibe, with abandoned mines scattered about, relics from the 1880s. The 360-degree panoramas from the summit? Unbelievable!
Heads up, though: this ain’t your grandma's Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved and seriously rugged. You’ll definitely need a 4WD beast to tackle this one, especially since it’s an old mining road leading to the historic Montague Mine Cabin.
The window to drive it is pretty tight—usually July to October, weather permitting. Snow's a big factor, so opening and closing dates are at the mercy of Mother Nature. And fair warning: the wind up there is no joke. It howls year-round, and the higher you climb, the more exposed you'll be.
From US395, it's about 16 miles to the summit, gaining over 5,000 feet in elevation. That means some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a max of 18%! Average grade is around 6%, so prepare for a workout, both for your rig and your nerves. White Mountain Road (Mount Patterson access road) has taxed the nerves of more than a few drivers in California. But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 25.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,560 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow long is the San Juan Skyway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Welcome to the "Road to the Sky," aka the San Juan Skyway, one of America's most stunning drives! Picture this: you're cruising through southwestern Colorado, starting around 6,200 feet above sea level near Cortez, and climbing up to a breathtaking 11,018 feet. This paved loop winds 233 miles through the heart of the San Juan National Forest, plus Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. The crown jewel? The Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray—get ready for some thrills! You could technically whip around the whole Skyway in about five hours, but trust me, you'll want to savor every moment. This route is all about soaking in the views: towering mountains, charming little towns, and even ancient Native American pueblo ruins. Think fresh alpine forests, historic mining towns, sprawling cattle ranges, and those amazing prehistoric ruins. There are pull-offs galore, so stop often! Mountain biking, hiking, and skiing are huge around here, and the Skyway puts you right in the middle of it all. You’ll pass through cool mountain towns like Durango, Silverton, Telluride, and Ouray, and each one has its own unique vibe. Good news: the road's usually open year-round, but keep an eye out for winter closures due to weather. The views of those 14,000-foot peaks are unreal any time of year, but each season has its own magic. Spring brings cascading waterfalls, summer explodes with wildflowers, and fall is a riot of bronze and gold leaves. Snow bunnies, winter is your time to shine with those incredible views and ski resorts! Just a heads-up: keep an eye on the weather, especially in the mountains. Summer thunderstorms are common, and winter conditions can be tricky. And be prepared for some steep sections and switchbacks. Some parts of the road also have drop-offs with no guardrails, so stay alert!
hardHow to Get by Car to La Lobera in Baja California
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, so you’re cruising down the Transpeninsular Highway (that’s Mexican Federal Highway 1, by the way) and you hit Km 47.5. Time for a detour! You're about to discover La Lobera, a crazy-cool sea crater on Baja California’s wild west coast. Forget smooth asphalt, though – the next 5.1 km (or about 3.16 miles) is all unpaved, dusty goodness. Honestly, most 2-wheel drives can handle it when it's dry. But watch out after a rain shower; those potholes get gnarly! As you bump along, the scenery is epic. You'll see those dramatic Pacific waves crashing into the cliffs. The whole area is raw, rugged desert, dotted with cool coastal plants. Keep your eyes peeled for “juancitos” (little squirrels!) and ospreys. Trust me, arriving at La Lobera itself is worth every single bump. It's a massive hole revealing an underground beach crammed with sea lions! It’s seriously an unforgettable sight.
extremeWhere is Horseshoe Meadow?
🇺🇸 Usa
Horseshoe Meadow is a sub-alpine meadow at an elevation of 3,070m (10,072ft) above sea level, located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads in California Where is Horseshoe Meadow? The meadow is located in the central-eastern part of California, within the Inyo National Forest. When was the road to Horseshoe Meadow built? The road was planned in the 1920s and completed in 1967. How long is Horseshoe Meadows Road in California? The road to the summit (former California State Route 190) has been fully paved since the 1980s. It’s called Horseshoe Meadows Road. Starting at it’s 35.40km (22 miles) long. Is Horseshoe Meadows Road in California challenging? This paved route climbs an extremely steep mountain face with a series of straights connected by sharp hairpin turns. It is a white-knuckle ride for sure. It’s rated as the second most difficult climb in California, with an average grade of 6.5% . This is a very rapid elevation change. Be advised. If you're not used to the change, it'll make you dizzy. The road constantly climbs with switchbacks, so be patient and keep your eyes on the road. Remember to use a low gear on the way down. Four-wheel drive will give you extra grip on the road. The area is prone to debris flows. Rocks are removed daily at 4:00 pm (that should give a hint to the nature of this road). Is Horseshoe Meadows Road in California open? Set high in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, southwest of Lone Pine, do not travel this road in severe weather conditions. The road is closed from approximately November to May due to snow. How long does it take to drive Horseshoe Meadows Road in California? Plan 45-60 minutes to complete the remarkable drive without stops, although you may want to block out extra time to stop, take photos, and explore the region it passes through. There are plenty of turnouts to get photos. The 32 Best Death Valley Backcountry Roads Bolam Pass in Colorado: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeMill Creek Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Mill Creek Road (FSR 710) in Eagle County, Colorado, is calling your name. Seriously, this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a gnarly, high-mountain gravel road that'll take you all the way up to 11,833 feet! Nestled in the White River National Forest, this baby is narrow, rutted, and often sporting some mud puddles (or even mini rain dams). You'll definitely need a 4x4 for this one. Keep in mind that you're at a serious altitude, and the weather can be wild any time of year, so be prepared! But trust me, the climb is worth it. This long, winding dirt road leads to a summit with views that are absolutely mind-blowing. Seriously, they just keep getting better and better the higher you go. Just a heads-up: it's usually snowed in from October to June, and access is restricted to authorized vehicles only. This is an epic route to Clohesy Lake in the Sawatch Range. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!